Checking yourself is crucial to protecting yourself from catching breast cancer in its early stages, but how do you know what to check if you don’t know how your boobies work?  The Lymphatic System plays a big role in removing harmful toxins from your body and fighting infections such as cancer. Find out how it detoxes and ways you can continue to help it do so below.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The Lymphatic System is a big part of your breast health check-up. Our bodies have a network of lymph vessels and nodes that are a part of the body’s immune system. This system collects waste material, fluid, and viruses and bacteria that are in body tissue and out of the blood stream. Lymph vessels carry clear watery fluid, called lymph, that brings oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissue cells while carrying away waste products, such as carbon dioxide. It also contains white blood cells to help fight infections.

WHAT DO LYMPH NODES DO?

Lymph fluid flows through the nodes throughout your body while the nodes act as filters for harmful substances. They carry cells that can fight infection by targeting the germs that get picked up in the lymph fluid.

Knowing ways that you can help keep your Lymphatic System running properly is key. Here are 5 ways to keep in mind at all times!

1. EAT REAL WHOLE FOODS

Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives! OH MY! Try to avoid processed foods with those ingredients; this mostly includes a lot of prepared, packaged or fast foods. Stay as close as you can to fruits, vegetables, beans or grain in their whole, natural form. The enzymes, fatty acids and other nutrients serve as powerful lymph cleansers so eat up!

2. DRINK UP PLENTY OF H2O

Many sugary drinks like soda, including processed fruit juices, have way more sugar than fruit. Drinking beverages high in sugar, artificial coloring and preservatives just adds more unnecessary pressure on already overwhelmed Lymphatic System. Water is always the best option to keep the Lymphatic System flowing and stay hydrated. You can Spruce up your water with some low sugar fruits like lemon for flavor!

3. WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT PROPERLY

Those tight little dresses look cute, but tight clothing restricts your Lymphatic System and can cause blockage. This is the same reason why it’s best to avoid under-wires in bras, it is best to try and not wear a bra for at least 12 hours per day.

4. SWEAT! SWEAT! SWEAT!

Sweating is gross and it can smell, but it’s normal! Sweating toxins out of your body is important to keeping your Lymphatic System clean and in tiptop shape. Avoid using antiperspirant deodorants, exercise and even hit the sauna to sweat it out. Jumping roping or trampoline jumping is specifically recommended to help the Lymphatic System because it boosts blood flow and overall immunity.

5. REMIND YOURSELF TO BREATHE

Life can move fast and be stressful, sometimes we forget to stop and take a deep breath. Deep breathing serves a pump for the Lymphatic System and keeps lymph fluid flowing at an ideal pace to remove harmful toxins while blood carries oxygen to the body. Practice yoga, meditation, or simply stop to take a few deep breaths throughout the day.

Keep it clean out there lymph nodes!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Monica Schrock is a passionate non-toxic lifer and writes about her experiences on her blog, Low Impact Betty. After blogging for years on the topic, she started her own non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free skin care company, Bare Bones Body Care. You will most likely catch her drinking coffee, playing basketball, reading Tank Girl or laughing uncontrollably.